Why did Liverpool pick Iraola instead of Slot?

It is said that Andoni Iraola will lead Liverpool immediately after the decision to fire Arne Slot is announced. What causes Liverpool's management to select the 43-year-old Spanish manager?

The Arne Slot era began brilliantly with a Premier League title last season. This season, however, a fifth-place finish and irreconcilable conflicts with key players made Liverpool's leadership realize that their partnership with Slot had reached its end.

After Xabi Alonso chose Chelsea, Liverpool decided to recruit another Spanish manager, Iraola. They did not target him because of the trend of Spanish coaches flourishing across Europe. Three seasons at Bournemouth were enough for the 1982-born manager to prove his abilities.

Iraola is likely to revive the style of football that Jurgen Klopp created at Anfield from 2015 to 2024. Pay attention to two key factors: high press and lightning-fast transitions from defense to attack. Mohamed Salah believes Liverpool are no longer themselves without the fiery, rock-and-roll football of the Klopp era. Statistics from Bournemouth show that Iraola is capable of reviving Klopp's "legacy."

During Iraola's three years in charge, Bournemouth produced 119 shots from counterattacks, scoring 18 goals from them. Two years ago, he shared that Bournemouth players had to run more than their opponents on the pitch: "We want to increase the intensity of movement because Bournemouth's wins come from creating more chances, exploiting advantages in duels, and opening up wider playing spaces. The key is to have players who play with abundant energy and a fast tempo."

All of that feels like a replay of every moment of Liverpool under Klopp, with the gegenpressing style that suffocates opponents.

However, the Premier League has seen too many promising managers fail when leading Big Six clubs. From David Moyes in the 2013-14 season at Manchester United, Graham Potter in 2022-23 with Chelsea, and most recently Thomas Frank last season with Tottenham. Iraola's eight-year coaching career has only involved smaller clubs like AEK Larnaca, Mirandes, Rayo Vallecano, and Bournemouth.

Leading Liverpool will be a great opportunity for Iraola to elevate his career, but it also comes with plenty of challenges when working with a club whose goal is to win trophies.